Wittenberg University

Wittenberg's 2009 Independent College Day contingent: (front, from left) Molly Dannaher, Alexandra Bell, Alissa Armstrong, Lin Erickson, Rob Baker and Eric Stahlberg; (back, from left) Sarah Overshiner, Lauren Hough, Jeffrey Boucher, Nate Dreyfuss and Taylor Hafley

Springfield, Ohio – The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) welcomed college students from throughout the state to the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday, Feb. 24 for Independent College Day. A 12-person Wittenberg contingent was included in the more than 140 independent college students, faculty members and university administrators who had the opportunity to meet with state representatives and senators.

With the political turmoil existing right now over drastic cuts to state aid to students at independent colleges, students provided important voices to the event as they shared their views with their elected officials.

"Our students shared with elected officials the impact of private education on their lives and the importance of independent colleges to Ohio's economy," said Lin Erickson, Wittenberg's director of corporate, foundation and government relations. "They are very concerned about the governor's plan to decrease financial aid to Ohio students at private colleges by 41.7 percent."

Students participating in Independent College Day toured the Statehouse, heard an update on the current political atmosphere in Ohio and attended committee meetings occurring the day.

"This was a great opportunity for us as students to make our voices heard," said Jeff Boucher, class of 2010 from Vernon Hills, Ill., who was one of eight Wittenberg students who participated in Independent College Day. "Higher education funding is an issue that affects students all across the state, and as students of a private institution, it is important for us to hold our state elected officials accountable for their actions."

AICUO was organized in 1969 to represent the interests of its 51 member institutions to Ohio's lawmakers, regulators and citizens. AICUO seeks to strengthen student financial aid programs and bring about a greater understanding of the impact and contributions of Ohio independent colleges and universities. At the same time, AICUO works to promote the well-being of Ohio higher education as a whole, with special regard for the dual private/public nature of the responsibility to serve the educational, social, and cultural needs of the state and the nation.

Written By: Ryan Maurer

032-09

Contact: Ryan Maurer (937) 327-6114 Send a Message

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